A blog about the Dodgers and Baseball. My thoughts on everything that has to do with the old game, autographs, baseball cards, bobbleheads, contests, upcoming appearances, books, etc. Enjoy the pictures, videos, opinions and contests.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Dodgers Caravan: ESPN Zone

February 2, 2010

My recap of the Dodgers Caravan that was held last Tuesday at ESPN Zone in L.A. Live.

It was a beautiful day in Downtown Los Angeles. I showed up around 9:30 am. Walked around the area and took some pictures.

Staples Center/L.A. Live is a nice area.

Downtown Los AngelesStaples CenterESPN Zone - On the right is where the line started. Only about 8 fans were there in the morning.Nokia PlazaNokia - Sandy Koufax will be at the Nokia soon.Magic JohnsonOscar De La HoyaWayne Gretzky

Aren't these statues nice? The Dodgers orzanization need to do something similar. Imagine passing by a Vin Scully statue at Dodger Stadium? Or Jackie Robinson? That would be very nice.

Around 2pm, people in line found out that Tommy Lasorda was on his way. I checked Lasorda's Twitter and yes, he was on his way. Thank God, I had my Dodger Seat in my car. I went back to my car and got it. I needed Lasorda to sign that seat.

Around 3:30 pm, a couple of employees of the Dodgers came. They had yellow and red wristbands. They asked me which color I wanted. I asked them which line is Lasorda going to be at. They said "I don't know, you need to pick a color now" Can you believe that? I wasn't too happy about that. I picked red. Yes, red is my favorite color.

The Dodger Bus came.Andre Ethier does a quick interview

The players went inside.

They had two tables. I got lucky, I did meet Lasorda. Fans with the Red Wristbands were going to meet Al Downing, Tommy Lasorda and Tommy Davis. Fans with Yellow Wristbands were going to meet Andre Ethier, Rudy Law, Kenny Landreaux. I don't remember if Bobby Castillo was there. I think he was but I'm not sure. Sorry, it was a long day. Oh, Kuroda didn't make it. He was at a Sushi bar. I don't blame him.

So of course, most of the fans there wanted Ethier. I was praying for Lasorda. By the time the event started, about 30 fans were in front of me already. Another 20 were inside because they accepted a offer to eat inside and be one of the first to get their autographs. I just stayed and waited patiently.

They let us in and first was Downing. Gave him a picture to sign. Thanks Al ! Next up, Lasorda. I gave him the Dodger seat and he said "Hold on kid, can't you see I'm eating!"

Sorry Tommy...I think it was a Minestrone Napoletana. Not sure. He wouldn't share. He said "No soup for you!"

"You're pushing your luck little man"Sweeeeeeeeet !

After Lasorda, it was Tommy Davis. I couldn't take more pictures. I had a couple of things in my hand. But it was all good. On my way out, saw Broadcaster Eric Collins.

It was a good day at ESPN Zone. By the way, after I left, a friend called me and told me that Lasorda left. I guess he was still hungry and the soup didn't cut it for him. I'm not joking. He left! He only signed for a couple more fans after he signed for me then left. I confirmed with other friends and they told me that the Dodger employees decided to do one line instead of two since Lasorda left the building.

Funny stuff.

I'll post Wednesday's Caravan details tomorrow. It was a good one too.

Lasorda was a grumpy man haha i was one of the first to get his autograph and i saw when they gave him to soup i think they gave him the wrong one or he didnt want it. i couldnt remember the exact words. I gave him a ball to sign and he just rolled it to me. but i know his personalty so i wasnt angry he is old and grumpy... Grumpy lasorda. it was cool though